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DocuSign Envelope ID: 1596E7A3-E36D-435A-8F23-BABF53FOAFC8 Estes Hills Elementary School, Page 9 of 15 <br /> Kuniko Yamamoto <br /> A native of Japan, Kuniko Yamamoto received her Bachelor of Psychology from <br /> Otani University of Kyoto, Japan in 1983. She began performing professionally in <br /> her hometown of Osaka where she grew up studying traditional dance, music and <br /> theater. She has received national exposure performing Japanese Storytelling at <br /> the Silk Road International Exposition and on Kansai National TV in 1985. <br /> The following year Kuniko traveled to the United States to study with Tony <br /> Montanaro, a highly respected mime and actor. Then three years after that she <br /> began touring with Leland Faulkner Light Theater, where she helped present <br /> lavish stage illusions and brought ancient tales to life with shadows and magic. <br /> For the next five years she performed constantly in theaters, schools, colleges, <br /> and festivals across the country. In 1992, Kuniko left the Faulkner Light Theater <br /> troupe to move to Florida. Married to Jon LeClair, a world-renowned magician <br /> whose books appear in magic shops worldwide has helped her add subtle magic <br /> and mystery to her very special act. <br /> Ms. Yamamoto has performed in such venues as: <br /> • The Kennedy Center (Washington DC) <br /> • Disney Epcot Japanese Pavilion <br /> • Seattle's International Children's Festival/ Giant Magnet <br /> • International Children's Festival in Canada <br /> • National Storytelling Festival <br /> • LA Music Center/Performing Arts Center of Los Angeles County <br /> In the last two decades she has been presenting her programs throughout the <br /> United States, and she has also been recognized by the Florida, South Carolina, <br /> and North Carolina of Arts Council since 2000. <br /> A passionate origami folder, Kuniko received Tempo Award from Origami USA in <br /> 2007. <br />